NSW PREMIER TO PUSH FOR RETURN OF PANDEMIC LEAVE PAYMENT

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet says he will push for the return of COVID-19 leave payments for workers who lose income during isolation at a snap national cabinet meeting next week.

Australians are still required to isolate for seven days if they are diagnosed with COVID-19, but support pay ended at the start of July.

This means many workers, including those on casual arrangements, are forced to face a week without any income, amid an ongoing cost of living crisis.

Perrottet has said he is willing to have discussions about funding the pandemic leave payments “50-50” with the federal government.

“People make significant sacrifices by following those health orders and isolate for seven days,” he said.

“If the state imposes those orders, the state should also be on hand to help people through.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the snap meeting after multiple leaders came forward demanding the return of support for workers impacted by COVID-19 isolation.